Security should be a top priority for all homeowners. If you’re concerned about a potential break-in, there are several relatively inexpensive upgrades you can make to keep your home and your family safe.
Install More Lighting
Burglars look for houses that they can approach without being seen. They tend to avoid properties that are well lit. If your home doesn’t currently have good outdoor lighting, that should be one of your first security upgrades.
Keep areas such as your front door and walkway illuminated at night to deter burglars. For other areas, such as your driveway or patio, motion-activated lights may be a better option. You can program them to turn on when they detect someone approaching the area.
Security Cameras
Knowing or fearing that they will be recorded can discourage burglars from targeting your home. You can install cameras in conspicuous locations, or you can use a doorbell camera or another type of camera that isn’t noticeable. You can record what’s happening outside your home at all times or you can program cameras to turn on when a motion detector senses someone approaching the house.
Upgrade Your Locks
If your house doesn’t have deadbolt locks on all exterior doors, install them as soon as possible. You may want to consider keyless entry if you have people come to walk your dog or house-sit while you’re away. You’ll be able to give those individuals their own codes, monitor when they come and go, and remove their access privileges if you no longer need them to come to your house. That’s a better alternative than worrying that a person you no longer want to have access to still has a key and having to change or rekey the locks.
Install a Home Security System
Having a security system that’s monitored 24 hours a day can make your house less likely to be a target and give you peace of mind. A home security system can automatically notify the local police if someone attempts to break into your house. The mere presence of a security system is often enough to ward off burglars.
Use Smart Home Technology
The internet of things makes it possible to control lights, door locks, security cameras and other devices via a cellphone or laptop. Smart home technology can let you monitor security cameras when you’re at work, lock and unlock doors, turn on lights and take other actions to keep your home safe.
Look for Affordable Home Security Solutions
All of these security features are relatively inexpensive. In addition, installing one or more of them may make you eligible for a discount on your homeowners insurance, since you’ll be less likely to file a claim. Research your options, figure out which security upgrades to make and be sure to notify your insurance company and ask if you qualify for lower premiums.
